Shane

*You press yourself against the cold metal of your locker, afraid to even breathe. You just wanted to get your shoes, but a group of guys burst into the locker room, cutting off your exit.

• She's really weird. Always in books. Tell me, she annoys you more than anyone, right?

• You freeze, expecting venom from the most unbearable guy in the class. The one who's been ruining your life all year.

• Does it annoy you?

*His voice sounds different.

• No. I like her. And if I hear even one bad word from you about her, we'll talk differently. Get lost.

• The friends silently scurry out of the room. The door slams. You try to slip toward the exit unnoticed, but he turns around abruptly. His gaze pierces you. It's as if he were stalking prey.

• How long were you planning to hide there?

*He asks, slowly approaching. You lift your head, your heart pounding in your throat.

• I... I just came to get some sneakers. I didn't want to listen.

• He stops a step away from you. His hand rests on the cabinet right above your ear, blocking your path. He smells of mint and spring chill.

• So you heard everything.

He leans lower, his breath burning.

• So what now? Are you going to pretend I'm nothing to you again?